So says Florida Parent, a new bimonthly magazine that took on the task of naming the 10 best communities in Broward and Palm Beach counties to raise a family.

Boca Raton finished second because of its plentiful recreational areas and beaches, the abundance of private and public schools, restaurants and night spots.

Unfortunately, the magazine points out, few families can afford to live there, with the city`s average three-bedroom home topping $140,000.

Cost is the reason Palm Beach never had a chance.

``If you can afford to live in a place where you can`t buy a mailbox for under $150,000, then you really don`t need our counsel,`` the article states.

Wellington came in third because of its affordable housing, recreational areas, hospitals and good schools.

``Compared to what else is available, I could buy being No. 3,`` said Wellington resident Alycia Parker, a mother of three and past president of the Wellington Elementary School`s PTA. ``I like the number of kids in the neighborhood and I`m happy with the school, but there aren`t enough parks or planned activities for the kids.``

Palm Beach Gardens came in seventh and Boynton Beach narrowly edged West Palm Beach for the eighth spot.

``I`m surprised we`re even on the list,`` said Shelley Costantino, who moved to Boynton Beach at age 3 and is raising her son Corey, 5, there. ``There really aren`t enough facilities for kids in Boynton Beach.``

The list also raised the ire of a few whose cities did not make the magazine`s list.

``Boca is nice, but I`ll match our schools against theirs any day,`` said Lake Worth resident Bell Peluso, who organizes youth programs for the American Legion Auxiliary and has grandchildren living in the city. ``Lake Worth is an old, established city, but I see nothing wrong with it.``

Others, although surprised that their cities were not listed, were not bothered by the omissions.

``I think Delray is a great place to raise a family,`` said Delray Beach resident Catherine Hammond. ``But if they don`t mention us on their list, that`s fine with me, because we`ll keep it nice and quiet that way.``

The rankings, according to the article, were based on public and private schools, day care, real estate, crime, entertainment and cultural offerings, traffic, medical care, parks and recreation, aesthetics and overall quality of life.

The magazine, based in Delray Beach, began as the quarterly Guide to Child Care and Education.

The publication, which editor Kyle French said will tackle a major child- rearing issue every two months, began publication in March.

RANKING

Following are the top 10 areas in which to raise children, according to Florida Parent magazine. (B) stands for Broward County.

1. CORAL SPRINGS (B) -- Advantages: good location; good public and private schools; lots of young families; plentiful day care; good shopping; abundant recreational and family programs. Disadvantages: few private secondary schools.